WiredScore, the international standard for cutting-edge internet connectivity in office buildings, announced that GlenStar is the first landlord to achieve certification across a portfolio of Class A commercial office properties in the Chicago suburbs.
Schaumburg Corporate Center in Schaumburg, Illinois and Presidents Plaza in Chicago earned the Wired Certified Gold designation while Continental Towers, a three-building office complex in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, earned a Wired Certified Platinum and two Wired Certified Gold designations. Designations for the 2.7 million square feet are based on the buildings’ best-in-class connectivity, technological infrastructure and readiness to adopt to emerging technologies. They join more than 1,700 Wired certified buildings worldwide offering top-notch tech capabilities.
“In order to attract and retain tenants in the suburban markets, we understand that, as owners, it requires more than just having the physical amenities that are becoming commonplace for today’s tenants,” said GlenStar principal, Michael Klein. “Prioritizing connectivity and incorporating it into our overall tenant experience is essential for us to deliver value and differentiate our properties in the market.”
In pursuing Wired certification, the properties underwent a comprehensive certification process that evaluated the aspects of digital infrastructure that enable a seamless connectivity experience in which office tenants are able to stay online and maintain productivity levels.
Upon review of the project’s technical elements—including internet service providers available to tenants, infrastructure redundancy, connection access points and readiness to meet future tenant needs—a Wired certification level is assigned based on the official standards developed by WiredScore and its connectivity advisory board.
GlenStar Properties pioneered Wired certification in Chicago’s CBD, rolling out the rating system at 141 W. Jackson, which attained Wired Certified Platinum, and 55 E. Monroe, which achieved Wired Certified Gold. With the suburban offices, GlenStar has now certified nearly six million square feet of office space across Chicago’s downtown and suburban markets.
“Technology, specifically digital connectivity, is a key component in retaining tenants and ensuring their productivity needs are met,” said Christine Torres, who leads the Chicago market for WiredScore. “As the first landlord to pursue Wired certification across a portfolio of Class A commercial office properties in the Chicago suburbs, the team at GlenStar has positioned itself as leaders in providing a tech-forward tenant experience.”
